For all his hats — poet, playwright, self-described “epistemologist” — the one that fit Don Becker the best may have been stand-up comedian.
The Denverite, found dead in his home last week at the age of 53, played a starring role in the Mile High City’s early comedy scene, which went on to birth names such as Roseanne Barr and “Last Comic Standing” winner Josh Blue.
“Don Becker was absolutely one of the most instrumental (people) in establishing the stand-up community in Denver,” according to Wende Curtis, owner of Comedy Works. “He was also very brilliant. He will be missed.”
Investigators believe Becker’s death may have resulted from a blow to the head after a fall at his home, although no official cause has been released.
His personal struggles had long been documented, battling mental illness throughout a life of varied creative pursuits, including comedy albums, one-man plays and even children’s stories.
In 2001, the Denver International Film Festival screened the Robin Beeck documentary “A Farewell to Arms,” which detailed Becker’s unusual story — including the loss of his arms in a 1986 train accident. (One of them was successfully re-attached.)
The film included footage from a benefit at Rainbow Music Hall that featured comic heavies Robin Williams, Dennis Miller, Louis Anderson, Barr and Sam Kinison.
Becker told Denver Post columnist Bill Husted at the time that the film’s message was to “stay on your medication.”
A celebration of his life will be planned for June.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
